A truly spectacular tribute to its most representative champion. Brazil pays homage to Pelé a year after his death by “dressing” the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio with the number 10 jersey. Selection.
The anniversary of Pelé's death was celebrated in Brazil with religious ceremonies, tributes on social media and numerous visits to the Santos Mausoleum, where the Brazilian football idol is buried.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento has died at the age of 82, was commemorated in Três Corações, his hometown, and in the Shrine of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Some of the most famous T-shirts worn by “O Rei” throughout his career were projected onto the giant statue. At the mass dedicated to him, the Archbishop of Rio, Orani Tempesta, read a message from Pope Francis in memory of Pelé. The date was also marked by a large influx of fans to the mausoleum, which opened to the public last May and has already attracted thousands of visitors.
“A year without the eternal king. Pelé brought the number 10 jersey to life, he pushed boundaries and changed the history of football. His genius on the pitch showed the world the best South American talent. Unprecedented. Incomparable”, these are the words with which the South American association Conmebol remembered him.